In a recent op-ed published in a student-run publication serving various universities, including the University of Notre Dame, a mother expressed her concerns about young women wearing leggings. The author, identified as Jessica Moore, detailed her frustrations in a letter titled “A Call for Modesty,” aimed at encouraging girls to reconsider their choice of attire.
Moore, a devout Catholic and mother of three sons, opened her letter with a candid admission: “I mean no disrespect to anyone, but as a Catholic mother, I have a dilemma that only young women can resolve: the prevalence of leggings.” Her contention? The rise in popularity of leggings, which she believes distracts young men and challenges her efforts to instill values in her sons.
The mother recounted an experience at a local church service where she noticed a group of young women clad in form-fitting leggings paired with short tops, stating that the sight was overwhelmingly distracting. “It was as if the leggings were painted on,” she lamented, suggesting that such attire complicates her mission of teaching her sons to respect women.
Moore’s argument pivots around the notion that popular culture perpetuates a narrow view of women, often objectifying them. She expressed concern about how this perception makes it difficult for mothers to teach their sons that women are deserving of respect, irrespective of their clothing choices. “It’s a challenge when young men are bombarded with images that reduce women to mere objects,” she wrote.
In her letter, she pondered why women would voluntarily choose to wear such revealing clothing, claiming to feel embarrassed for the young women at the church. She reflected on her sons’ ability to refrain from inappropriate behavior, even with distractions present, yet she worried that the visibility of leggings could make it more challenging for them.
However, it’s crucial to recognize that teaching boys to respect women involves more than policing women’s attire. If boys are raised with the understanding that a girl’s clothing does not dictate how they should behave, it becomes easier to foster a culture of respect and consent—regardless of what someone wears.
Moore’s letter concluded with a plea to young women: “As you shop for clothes, please consider the mothers of sons and perhaps opt for jeans instead.” It’s a request that many young women, including students at Notre Dame, have pushed back against. Recently, a “Leggings Appreciation Day” was organized to celebrate their right to wear what they choose and to stand against the narrative that suggests women are responsible for men’s thoughts.
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In summary, while the concerns raised by Moore reflect a viewpoint that resonates with some, the broader conversation emphasizes the importance of teaching respect and personal responsibility, rather than placing the onus on women’s clothing choices.